In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court clarified that sibling fee relief offered by schools is not an absolute entitlement but is subject to certain conditions. Justice Ashutosh Srivastava, while addressing the rustication issue of two siblings from Delhi Public School, Raj Nagar Ghaziabad, emphasized that the sibling fee relief scheme cannot be claimed as a matter of right.

The case stemmed from the rustication of two students from DPS Raj Nagar due to a dispute over the applicability of the sibling fee scheme. The school had introduced a scheme providing fee relief for parents with two children enrolled, subject to specific conditions. The relief was applicable to the younger sibling and was contingent upon timely payment of fees in full, among other criteria.

Petitioner No. 1’s children, petitioner 2 and 3, were admitted to DPS Raj Nagar, benefiting from the sibling fee scheme. However, subsequent disputes arose regarding additional fee demands by the school, leading to complaints filed by the parents against the institution.

The school argued that the parents failed to adhere to the prescribed fee payment methods and engaged in misconduct towards school staff. Despite the school’s withdrawal of fee demands and issuance of transfer certificates, the parents continued to send their children to school.

The High Court Intervened, urging both parties to amicably resolve the dispute. After deliberations, the Court directed the school to readmit the children in the upcoming academic session, emphasizing the need to withdraw all pending complaints and cases against each other.

The judgment underscores the discretion vested in schools regarding fee relief schemes and highlights the importance of adherence to prescribed procedures by parents. It serves as a reminder of the mutual responsibilities of schools and parents in maintaining a conducive learning environment for students.

By promoting amicable resolution and emphasizing the welfare of the children, the Allahabad High Court’s ruling seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged legal disputes on the educational prospects of the students involved.

As educational institutions navigate challenges amid the pandemic, this judgment provides clarity on the application of fee relief schemes, fostering transparency and accountability in school-parent interactions. It underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of students while upholding the autonomy of educational institutions.

In conclusion, the judgment serves as a precedent for resolving disputes in the education sector through dialogue and cooperation, ultimately prioritizing the well-being and academic pursuits of students.